A massive wildfire continues to rage in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, destroying thousands of structures, including historic buildings.
State officials confirmed that the Palisades Fire destroyed homes and structures at Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Both parks were immediately closed after the fire broke out on January 7th. However, the fast-moving blaze quickly reached Topanga State Park and moved onto the grounds of Will Rogers Park later that night.
More than 30 buildings were destroyed, including:
Will Rogers Historic Ranch Home and other historic buildings at Will Rogers State Park Topanga Ranch Motel and all concessions Housing for park personnel
“California State Parks mourns the loss of these precious natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. . “Since yesterday afternoon, we have committed all available resources to emergency response efforts and are working to ensure the safety and protection of the affected nearby state parks to the best of our ability.”
Officials said they were still working on a full investigation of the damage and losses. Will Rogers Park staff were able to safely evacuate the horses on the property, along with artwork and other cultural and historical artifacts.
Top left: The living room of Will Rogers’ ranch house. Top right: Living room after the fire. Middle left: Exterior of the ranch house. Lower row: Exterior view of the stable before and after the fire. (California State Parks) The living room of Will Rogers’ ranch house was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Taken on January 8, 2025 at California State Park. Exterior view of Will Rogers’ stables before and after the Palisades fire. (California State Parks) From left: Topanga Ranch Motel before the Palisades Fire. / The aftermath of the historic Topanga Ranch Motel fire. Photo taken by California State Parks on January 8, 2025. The aftermath of the historic Topanga Ranch Motel fire. Photo taken by California State Parks on January 8, 2025. From left: The destroyed living room in Will Rogers’ ranch house. / The aftermath of the historic Topanga Ranch Motel fire. Photo taken by California State Parks on January 8, 2025.
The 359 acres surrounding Will Rogers State Park were purchased by Hollywood actor Will Rogers in the 1920s. He developed the land as a ranch and built a 31-room ranch house with an adjacent guest house, stables, corrals, golf course, and equestrian trail. His widow donated the ranch to the state park in 1944 before it became a historic park.
Topanga Ranch Motel was built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst. The 30-room building once housed Pacific Coast Highway construction workers.
Located across from Topanga Beach, this motel offered travelers an inexpensive seaside vacation and later became a popular film and television filming location. The state park acquired the motel in 2001 and plans to restore about 20 cabins for public use.
The Palisades Fire continued to burn Wednesday night, growing to more than 15,800 acres as firefighters worked to extinguish it.
“We deeply appreciate the quick action of park staff and all partner agencies,” Quintero said. “Our top priority remains the safety of the public, our employees and our responders who are valiantly fighting the fire.”
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